Going to be induced? I’ve got you – here’s my experience and toolkit (what I’d do differently & just the same)

Just what is it, exactly, to be induced?

Technically, induction of labour is when your healthcare team uses medical methods to start your labour instead of waiting for it to begin naturally. This can be because of various reasons, from your water breaking early (me!) or pregnancy going past your due date, to concerns about the baby’s or your health.

For lots of us, induction can be daunting. So many myths and stories encircle it, and it can be an unknown path compared to natural labour onset, if that’s what you’ve visualised/planned for or experienced previously. But, it’s increasingly common and can lead to very positive birth experiences, with the right information and support.

In this article, I’m sharing my full induction journey, alongside stories from other mums who’ve been there, plus a detailed toolkit to help you prepare and feel empowered every step of the way.

My induction story

It was a sunny Saturday morning in May 2018. I was 35 weeks pregnant, about to head to my first National Childbirth Trust (NCT) class, when I felt a huge gush of fluid. I thought, I’ve finally wet myself. But no, my waters had broken prematurely – a situation called PPROM (preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes). I hadn’t even read much about this possibility before, and honestly, I wasn’t quite prepared.

We went straight to the hospital where a doctor confirmed my waters were broken, but the baby seemed fine. The plan was expectant management for 12 hours, waiting to see if labour would start naturally. If not, I’d be induced.

The most intense part for me was the pessary – a small hormone-releasing device inserted vaginally to kick-start contractions. For me – and please read here that many women I speak to do not have this experience – it was painful and invasive, and no one had prepared me for how it would feel. Maybe I was just unlucky on that one. 

My husband, advised to go home and rest, wasn’t there for the induction. Looking back, this is one thing I’d absolutely change (although I know a lot of the time you’re in a shifting queue for induction, so maybe best to have your partner asleep, but nearby!)

For me, contractions started about 45 minutes after insertion and quickly intensified. 

From the point of induction, my labour lasted 14.5 hours. Despite the premature start, the labour went smoothly, and though I had an episiotomy in the final pushing stage, I was able to deliver vaginally, using gas and air but no epidural. My midwives at The Whittington Hospital, London, were incredible throughout.

I did feel, almost constantly throughout that first birth, that my body was trying to catch up with the 0-100 rocketing of absolutely nothing to active labour. And, that the induction had sort of rushed me forward, right up to the pushing stage. That episiotomy almost felt inevitable, to me – I might have been fully dilated, but my body simply wasn’t open and ready enough to push my baby out. 

That’s my feeling, anyway – and I’ve learned from pregnancy, birth  and parenting to trust those instincts. So there you go. 

Two years later, I had my second baby at term – a water birth with no induction, lasting 3.5 hours. Both births were intense and hard, but very different. On paper, the induction birth was actually ‘better’ – despite my second birth being super fast, a water birth and all the things. 

I think it just felt calmer, and everyone communicated with me really brilliantly. That’s another top tip – ask all your questions and ensure you feel informed every step of the way. Confusion leads to fear, and fear is stressful. And stress, in labour, can be a real road block.

How long after induction does a baby come?

This varies widely. Some women go into active labour within a few hours, while for others, it can take 12, 24, or even longer. My first labour after induction was 14.5 hours from pessary insertion to delivery, while my second, natural labour was just a few hours after waters broke. Note though – I was in active labour just 45 minutes after my induction started.

Expect your healthcare team to explain the likely timeline and to monitor you and baby closely. Labour after induction often progresses faster once contractions begin, but it can be unpredictable.

Is birth harder if induced?

There’s a common belief that induced labour is more painful or difficult than spontaneous labour. In my experience, the pain started suddenly and intensely, but I was prepared mentally to “go with it,” which helped a lot. 

I’d say, both my births – one induced and one not – were pretty similar, in terms of the pain involved. And in fact, I think I coped better with my first, because I simply didn’t know what to expect. With my second, I had to work on my headspace a lot harder – knowing what was ahead and trying to meet the contraction where it was at, rather than fight it. 

Some mums, like TRB founder and CEO Eloise (mum of five), felt induction pain ramped up super quickly too.

Others, like my friend Rachel (mum of two), had mixed experiences. Her first induction included gel insertion to dilate the cervix and breaking waters later. She ended up with a C-section after labour slowed and the baby became distressed, a reminder that induction doesn’t always lead to vaginal birth but can be the safest option. 

And, as Rachel told me, “technically it was an emergency C-section but it was very much my choice, I felt in control, and wasn’t ‘rushed’ anywhere.”

Every woman’s body responds differently. Birth is unpredictable regardless of induction status, but knowledge and preparation help you feel in control.

Why do doctors push induction at 39 weeks?

At 39 weeks, evidence shows that induction can reduce the risk of stillbirth and other complications in certain pregnancies. If your baby is overdue, or if there are concerns about growth or your health, your doctor might recommend induction to help keep you and the baby safe.

Hospitals follow strict guidelines around induction timing, aiming to balance risks of early labour versus prolonged pregnancy. But, as both Rachel and Eloise note – it’s very common to end up in a ‘queue’ for induction, depending on your hospital’s resources. 

So even if you are booked in, prepare for a wait.

Three (very different) induction stories

IRL stories can really, really help. Here are three to deep-dive. 

Eloise, mum of five

“I had twins induced at 38 weeks after an IVF pregnancy. The process was exhausting and inconsistent – there wasn’t a clear plan or steady communication. The balloon catheter used to dilate my cervix was painful, and no pain relief was offered for that stage. I was surprised by how quickly contractions came on, and I would definitely plan for an epidural next time. I did get to eat during induction, which helped me stay comfortable.”

Lama, mum of three

“I was induced with my first because she wouldn’t come out. It went smoothly and was necessary because of meconium in the waters (my baby had done a poo inside me!) Interestingly, my mum was induced every time with all three babies too, because she never had contractions naturally – I wonder if it’s hereditary! My second and third kids came without induction.”

Rachel, mum of two

“My first was at 41 weeks. I wanted to wait as long as possible, but when the hospital insisted I be induced, I agreed – I was just done waiting. They inserted a gel pessary to dilate my cervix, but I never got to the oxytocin stage. Later, they broke my waters, and I had an (amazing!) epidural because the pain was intense. Labour slowed down, the baby’s heart rate went up, and I had a fever. Eventually, I had an emergency C-section after dilating 3cm. My baby’s head was on the 90th centile!

My second birth was booked for induction at 40 weeks, but I was exhausted from looking after my sick toddler and partner all weekend, so I postponed it a couple of days – I called up and organised this, and the hospital was fine with it. Advocating is everything – be clear about what feels right for you and why, and your team should listen.

When I finally went in, the induction ward was busy and the process slow. Eventually, after some gel insertion and bouncing on a ball, I went into labour naturally before needing more interventions. I had a vaginal birth without an epidural.

Throughout both inductions, I was allowed to eat – even had takeaway food on the induction ward (I think it was Thai!) which really helped me stay comfortable and calm.”

Can you eat after being induced?

As we’ve heard anecdotally, yes. Hospital policies vary but many allow light meals and snacks during induction, especially if you’re not planning an epidural or C-section. Both Rachel and Eloise’s stories highlight the benefit of eating during induction, to keep energy levels up.

Check with your hospital ahead of time what their rules are – it might help to pack snacks and comfort foods in your hospital bag, just in case.

How long does it take to dilate from 1 to 10?

This varies widely, depending on many factors including your own body, if you’re induced or in natural labour, and whether you’ve given birth before. 

For example with my second (non-induced) birth, I dilated from 5 to 10 cm in around 45 minutes. I’m not sure I’d recommend it, mind you – fast dilation can be extremely intense – but there you go!

Whereas for Rachel, dilation steamed ahead very quickly after induction with her second birth, and she was at the pushing stage almost straight away. 

Active labour dilation often averages about 1 cm per hour, but induced labours can sometimes progress more quickly once contractions start.

Some women experience rapid dilation, while others may have a longer ride. Don’t stress and definitely try not to clock watch – your healthcare team will guide and support you.

Is it better to wait or be induced?

If you’re low-risk and both you and baby are well, waiting for labour to start naturally is often encouraged. However, if there are medical reasons (like PPROM, gestational diabetes, or overdue pregnancy), induction might be safer.

My first birth was medically necessary due to PPROM, but my second was entirely natural and ‘on my terms’. 

I’d do it again, but would prepare differently, mainly to have my husband stay with me throughout the induction itself. And, I’d have factored it into my birth plan.

The ultimate induction prep toolkit – what I’d do differently (and what I’d keep the same)

Whether you’re being induced at 35 weeks, 37 weeks, or beyond, preparation can make a huge difference.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide, curated from my experience and those of other amazing mums, to help you feel confident and in control.

1. Get clear on your induction plan

• Ask why: Why is induction recommended? Is it medically necessary or elective? (This is your body, your birth – understanding the “why” matters.)
• Find out what method will be used first: Is it a pessary, gel, balloon catheter, or amniotomy (breaking waters)?
• Discuss timing: How long will they wait for labour to progress naturally before moving to next steps like an oxytocin drip (used to stimulate contractions)?
• Understand monitoring: Will you be on continuous fetal monitoring? Can you move around freely?
• Ask about pain relief: What options are available before, during and after the induction? Epidural, gas and air, or none? And why? 

2. Pack for an induction

We can get really specific here! If you’re heading in for an induction (or sending a list to your partner), these are all really helpful: 

• Birth preferences: Birth plan or notes for your midwives, with your choices around induction clearly set out (DM us on Insta to pinch my birth plan)
• Headphones or ear plugs: The induction ward can be noisy and remember, you’ll be close to other women in early labour. Blocking it all out can be pivotal. 
• Comfort items: Headphones, playlist or podcasts, favourite TV shows or movies downloaded (Rachel loved watching Modern Family, New Girl and her wedding video – which I am very here for!)
• Maternity pads: I didn’t take any for my first birth (in fact, all I had on my was a laptop when I arrived at hospital – don’t ask!) and I wished I had, as my early-broken waters were still leaking and I kept having to ask in hospital
• Snacks: If your hospital allows, pack energising snacks and drinks (nuts, protein bars, a smoothie, whatever gives you energy)
• Maternity clothes: Loose and comfortable, and clothes for after birth.
• TENS machine: If you plan to use one for pain relief (some find it helpful, others not).
• Support items: Massage balls, birthing ball for bouncing or labour positions – Rachel was bouncing on hers on the induction ward, when she went into labour.
• Personal care: Lip balm, hair ties, toiletries.
• Phone charger! I can’t explain the number of times I’ve ended up in hospital without this essential piece of kit!

Check The Ribbon Box hospital bag checklist for detailed ideas.

3. Build your emotional toolkit

• Ask questions: No question is silly or annoying. Midwives want to help – even if they’re busy and seem rushed, it’s better to ask than not. You’ll be laughing with them over tea and toast super-soon. So ask. 
• Bring a birth partner: Ideally, have someone with you through all stages, including the induction process itself.
• Prepare distraction tools: Books, apps, soothing sounds.
• Use breathing techniques and mindfulness: Slow breathing, hypnobirthing apps, or calm meditations.
• Plan comfort strategies: Warm showers, massage, position changes.
• Bring familiarity: Watching something that makes you happy or playing your wedding video can help pass time and ease nerves, like Rachel did. 

4. Know your pain relief options and prepare your body

• If you anticipate needing an epidural, discuss this early. It’s better to always know your options upfront. 
• Use gentle movement if allowed – bouncing on a birthing ball helped Rachel and many other mums I’ve spoken to.
• Try a TENS machine if you find it soothing.
  Stay hydrated – pack your favourite hydration drinks or water bottles. I drank litres of coconut water, which really helped – all those natural electrolytes! 
• Remember that pain and contractions can start suddenly and intensely during induction – so have your tool kit ready.

5. Understand the phases and possible twists

• Labour after induction can go fast or slow.
• Sometimes, labour might stall, or the baby’s heart rate may fluctuate.
• You might be offered artificial rupture of membranes (breaking waters) or move to oxytocin if labour doesn’t progress.
• If labour stalls or the baby becomes distressed, a C-section may become necessary – like in Rachel’s experience.
• An episiotomy may be performed to help delivery – as I had following my induction.
• Remember that no birth plan is set in stone – flexibility can help keep you safe and in control.

6. Ask about eating during induction

Policies vary widely but if your hospital allows, eating light meals and snacks during early stages of induction can keep energy up and mood positive.

Check ahead and bring your favourite easy-to-digest foods. 

7. After the birth

• Have some snacks ready for post-delivery and anticipate the infamous NHS tea and toast – both Rachel and I appreciated having food and comfort right after birth.
• Plan for recovery: whether vaginal or cesarean, recovery is a journey.
• Lean on your support network.
• Celebrate your incredible achievement.

You did it

Induction might feel frustrating, invasive, or uncertain, but it can also lead to beautiful birth stories. It’s your journey, and with knowledge, preparation, and support, you can feel empowered every step of the way. I did, and I wouldn’t change much about either of my (very different) births. 

Thank you to Eloise, Lama, Rachel, and countless other mums who shared their stories with honesty and heart.

If you’re facing induction, remember: you are more than capable. Your body is strong. Your baby is waiting to meet you.

FAQs – quick answers to your top induction questions

• How long after induction does a baby come?
  It varies, from a few hours to more than 24. Your team will monitor you closely.
• Is it better to wait or be induced?
  If low risk, waiting is often encouraged. Induction is recommended for specific medical reasons.
• Why do doctors push induction at 39 weeks?
  To reduce risk of stillbirth or complications if pregnancy goes beyond term.
• Is birth harder if induced?
  It can be more intense from the start, but every birth is different. Preparation helps.
• How long does it take to dilate from 1 to 10?
  Usually several hours – often about 1 cm per hour in active labour, but it varies widely. 

If you’re about to be induced, I’m sending you all the calm, strength, and support in the world. You’ve got this.

For a practical induction prep checklist, hospital bag guide, or tips on labour positions and coping strategies, check out the NHS’s induction overview here and The Ribbon Box hospital bag checklist.